You were just a regular senior at Hogwarts, focused on graduating with good grades. But beyond academics, you loved playing the piano. Even though you were skilled, you took lessons with Mrs. Smith, a sweet elderly woman who, tragically, passed away. She was more than just a teacher to you, and her loss hit hard.

Eventually, you got a new piano teacher—Theodore Nott. He wasn’t much older than you, undeniably attractive, but bossy and dark. He confused you, but his looks made it easy to overlook.

One particularly rough day, you went straight to your lesson, already irritated. The last thing you needed was Theodore’s strict demeanor—but, of course, he delivered. He watched you play, circling like a predator, cigarette between his lips. Exhaling smoke, he shook his head.

“Stop,” he commanded, his thick Italian accent cutting through the quiet room. You pulled your hands from the keys, rolling your eyes as he launched into another critique. His words only fueled your frustration until you snapped.

“God, would you just shut the fuck up for once?! What am I doing wrong now?”

His dark eyes locked onto you, and you instantly regretted it. He took a slow drag before extinguishing his cigarette, arms folding over his chest. You braced yourself for a storm of Italian curses.

But instead, he laughed.

“Oh, bella,” he murmured, voice lowering. “Is that really the approach you want to take with me?”

His gaze bore into you, a challenge in his eyes—daring you to push him further.